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Showers took a step forward on the field this season and finished with more passing and rushing yards, while also combining for more touchdowns. The Miners didn't exactly have a scary offense, though, and Showers posted an underwhelming 1,858 passing yards, 12 touchdown passes and six interceptions.

Tomlinson recorded 18 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown this season. Coming into the season, scouts stamped Tomlinson as a late-round pick, according to TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline. The 6-foot-7, 270-pound Tomlinson, who has one of the best beards you'll ever see on a collegiate field, is used heavily as a blocking tight end.

"Several scouts have stamped UTEP tight end Eric Tomlinson with a late round grade," the expert passed along. "I’m not so sure as the senior is a solid prospect yet not exceptional in any area. With that said I believe he has a chance to make a roster as a third tight end." As you may have inferred, Pauline currently grades the fifth-year senior as an undrafted free agent.

As a graduate transfer, Payne is eligible to play for the Miners this season. The three-star member of the Cougars’ 2010 recruiting class appeared in 21 games the past two years at Houston. Payne, 6-foot, 210-pounds, returned 15 punts for 64 yards (4.3 yards per return) last season.

UTEP DE/OLB James Davidson has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Chiefs.

At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Davidson is going to have to make it as an outside linebacker at the next level. At least he's used to positional versatility: The three-time champ in Tae Kwon Do played on every defensive level while with the Miners, starting at S, LB, and DE. He's also experienced on special teams. For those unfamiliar, the link below has an embedded tape of Davidson's work.

UTEP junior QB Jameill Showers will miss his return to Texas A&M due to an injured right throwing shoulder.

Head coach Sean Kugler added Showers dislocated the shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season. The injury occurred in a blowout loss to Rice during the fourth quarter. Showers lost the quarterback competition to Johnny Manziel prior to last season. Sophomore Blaire Sullivan will start in place of Showers.

Former Texas A&M junior QB Jameill Showers is making his first start at UTEP against New Mexico on Saturday.

Showers was supposed to start over Johnny Manziel prior to last season, but lost out on the job during preseason camp. "Of course, running a new system, new teammates, timing, all that stuff, sure there's going to be a learning curve," head coach Sean Kugler said. Showers has another season of eligibility and could give evaluators something impressive flashes before he attempts to jump to the NFL.

Former Texas A&M QB Jameill Showers is transferring to UTEP and has already sent over his letter of intent.

"My dad and I took a trip down [to UTEP] this past weekend and we had fun, met the coaching staff and I got to talk to Coach Kugler," Showers said. "They are doing some big things." The redshirt sophomore was expected to start prior to last season and was obviously stuck behind Johnny Manziel once the redshirt freshman won the top spot.

The final game for UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe started off bleak but had its shining moments. Vittatoe finished the loss to BYU with 245 yards passing and three touchdowns but also threw three passes to the wrong team.

UTEP struggled mightily at first against BYU in the New Mexico Bowl, but there was a bright spot in wide receiver Kris Adams. Adams finished the game with just three catches but they went for a staggering 153 yards and three scores.

Adams is gone after this season as he takes his gamebreaking ability to the NFL.

Heading into the New Mexico Bowl against BYU, several UTEP players are getting healthy like Donald Buckram and Kris Adams, but one is still no better than before. Quarterback Trevor Vittatoe is still dealing with an injured ankle and head coach Mike Price says, "Nothing can happen to make it worse than it is right now. He's coming in Monday to get it operated on, it will be an extensive operation."

Believe that BYU will bring the pressure, and if Vittatoe is limited at all, it will be a long day for the Miners.

It's official: Trevor Vittatoe will start against Tulsa. The UTEP signal caller has missed practice lately with an injured foot but has practiced without a protective boot and head coach Mike Price says he is a go.

Vittatoe will be a spotty start as the Tulsa defense is looking much better as of late.